HARTFORD, Conn. — With freezing temperatures already this week and and the certainty only going to get colder as the winter months quickly approach, are raising concerns for the homeless.
"It’s honestly heartbreaking," said Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw of the 17th District.
Saving lives this winter was the mission of Wednesday's summit. It was a group meeting that consisted of multiple state agencies to make sure no lives are lost on the streets this season.
The CEO of Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, Sarah Fox, worked collaboratively to develop strategies to address the statewide crisis.
"Increase medical risk and hypothermia and we know the mortality rate for people who are experiencing homelessness dramatically increases," said Fox.
Recent data revealed the total number of homeless people unsheltered individuals for every county in Connecticut is greater than 100. That means more than 1,400 people in the entire state are homeless, in every age group from as young as toddlers to people over the age of 55.
"Our seniors with the rising rents, it’s hard for anyone to afford rent and yet our seniors on social security disability are being forced into their cars," added Fox.
State lawmakers set aside $5 million in the budget just to address the crisis, but they know it is not enough.
"We know that money needs to be released from the Department of Housing so that all of the coordinated action networks that house our homeless folks can get to their good work because as we know, the temperature is dropping every night," added Rep. Kavros DeGraw.
While most would assume drugs is the reason for ending up on the streets, Rep. Kavros DeGraw said it stems beyond that.
"We have a housing crisis which really needs to be addressed because previously, we were able to get our homeless into housing, affordable housing, we don’t have enough affordable housing statewide," added Rep. Kavros DeGraw.
As part of ongoing efforts, CCEH has upcoming plans to visit encampment sites.
They will also hold a roundtable discussion for lawmakers and do a walking tour in Waterbury this Friday.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
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